Upper Extremity Braces

Abstract

A brace for restricting the movement of a shoulder joint, the brace including a trunk module attachable to a human body, wherein the trunk module includes a strap for attaching the brace to the body; and at least one first part of a locking mechanism; a forearm module pivotable relative to the trunk module, the forearm module further including a second part of a locking mechanism capable of engaging and disengaging with said first part of the locking mechanism; and a posterior upper arm support attached to the trunk module in a fixed position; wherein in a first orientation the at least one first part of the locking mechanism is engaged with the second part of the locking mechanism; and wherein in a second orientation the at least one first part of the locking mechanism is disengaged from the second part of the locking mechanism.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 192,617.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicableMICROFICHE APPENDIX[0003]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]It is known to use a brace or splint to support a joint which has undergone either an operation, been injured or is the subject of a long existing medical condition. Different joints require different braces to support the joint, each being adapted accordingly. Braces can be used on both the upper and lower extremities of the human body. One joint which is particularly susceptible to injury and problems, and which often requires surgery, is the shoulder. The shoulder is a complex joint with many bones, tendons, muscles and the like. After injury or surgery, it is often necessary to immobilize the shoulder to avoid or restrict movement and in turn aid the healing process.[0005]Current existing braces for sho...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention aims to solve problems associated with shoulder immobilization. It allows the shoulder to be immobilized in a position that allows for easy movement of the elbow, wrist, and other parts of the arm. It also promotes recovery during rehabilitation and allows patients to sleep with their arm extended without compromising the shoulder. The brace is easy to put on and take off by the patient without assistance.

Problems solved by technology

One joint which is particularly susceptible to injury and problems, and which often requires surgery, is the shoulder.

Current existing braces for shoulders are cumbersome and give rise to a number of problems both from a practical point of view and a medical point of view.

One problem with existing braces is that they are very complicated to use.

It is very difficult if not impossible for the patient to put on or remove the brace alone and help is generally required to position the brace correctly.

It is also difficult to find a brace that fits all patients.

As a result it is necessary to have a number of different sized braces, this adds to the costs of the design and manufacture and means that the hospital or doctor's surgeries need to stock many braces of different sizes.

This can lead to a number of problems such as elbow stiffness, stagnation of edema and hematoma, swelling, paresthesia, vein thrombosis and the like.

The fact that the upper limb is rigidly held in a fixed position may also be detrimental to future joint function and may result in tissue atrophy.

In most existing braces there are straps which go around the neck and the back the patient and can cause chafing of the skin and in some cases the sensation of strangulation.

This can provide a source of pain by tensioning the soft tissue and disturbing any bone fracture fragments being repaired.

If this occurs in the early stages of recuperation, when lying down, the reattachment sutures can be compromised and the tendons and ligaments may become detached.

It should be noted that the current braces do not provide the facility for the patients' to move the elbow, but trying to do so inadvertently can result in the problem identified above.

Due to the nature of existing braces, patients often find sleeping difficult and uncomfortable.

This can lead to numbness and lack of blood flow in the hands and lower arm.

In addition, the elbow and wrist can become stiff due to lack of movement.

Most existing shoulder braces immobilize the shoulder's internal rotation, which may cause harmful consequences to the tendons and ligaments and bones as highlighted below.

Images